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Gina Andracchio

Baltimore Outdoor Recreation Examiner
City dweller Gina Andracchio has a modern, and sometimes urban, twist on traditional outdoor rec--proving that adventure begins just outside your door.

  

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At the Beach: Benefits of Swimming and the Need for Sun Protection

June 8, 11:12 AM
 
Hello My Beautiful Readers! In case anyone was wondering if I had fallen off the face of the earth since my last entry, I have been out of town visiting the Big Apple. The weather was beautiful this Sunday and I enjoyed some “R&R” in my favorite spot in the whole wide world--the beach. Any beach! In fact, almost any body of water will do the trick for me.
 
                         
In wonderful “beach-land”, the open area allows all sorts of fun activities that keep us anticipating the 3 summer months which are now upon us: surfing, jet-skiing, beach volleyball, fishing, and my personal favorite, swimming. I find swimming to be the best and most fun method of exercise for these top 5 reasons:
 
  • You do not sweat
  • The water resistance is better than air resistance
  • It is easier on your joints than running or walking
  • It makes your body lean and toned
  • It requires proper breathing which is good for the respiratory system
 
Regardless of whether you are out at the beach or the pool, skin protection is absolutely vital!  Although the sun rays are slightly less harmful than other methods of tanning (I’m talking to you fake ‘n bakers), the sun rays nowadays seem to be hotter and stronger than ever. I foolishly neglected to apply sunscreen in the past and am already seeing some sun freckles on my skin where I had previously been sun burned. So please protect your skin this summer and always for that matter. I was reading about sun protection on www.health.com which has an article on myths about sun screen and the best ways to prevent skin damage. Although these were opinions of experts in dermatology and not proven facts, they still seem to be common sense that we should keep in mind to stay knowledgeable about the issue. 
 
Top 3 things to keep in mind while sun-bathing:
 
  • Sunscreen does not provide “total sun-block”; there is no 100% SPF (sun protection factor)
  • Do not assume sunscreen is completely waterproof; reapply after getting out of the water
  • Do not solely rely on sunscreen; use hats, clothing, and shade during the hours of the day when the sun is the strongest

 

 

                                     
 

Topics: swimming , sun protection , Beaches
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At the Movies: Patterson Park presents Spielberg film "The Goonies"

May 23, 10:10 AM
I just want to send a big THANKS to Friends of Patterson Park, Inc. for the wonderful community events organized in Highlandtown’s Patterson Park. This weekend there will be a showing of the famous 80’s movie: “The Goonies”.                                                                 ... Read More
Topics: Friends of Patterson Park
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Memorial Day Weekend: Pay Tribute and Create a Remarkable Barbecue

May 22, 3:31 PM
     Although Memorial Day is not until May 30th, it is as we know “observed” on Monday May 26th therefore making the entire weekend a celebration. Due to extremely high gas prices these days, there will undoubtedly... Read More
Topics: Fort McHenry , Memorial Day , Barbecue
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Volleyball at the Harbor: Get Active this Summer

May 19, 4:35 PM
Just when I thought I already knew everything there was to know about our beloved Inner Harbor, another interesting fact has been brought to my attention. As I scouted the Baltimore Beach Volleyball website, the organization has been reported as... Read More
Topics: Inner Harbor , Volleyball , Rash Field
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A 133 Year-Old Maryland Tradition: It's Preakness Time Again

May 14, 10:05 PM
 Well yes it is certainly that time of year again: Preakness, arguably the biggest, best-known, and oldest tradition of Maryland. We are now in the midst of the whole Preakness celebration. Besides the long list of events: the concert... Read More
Topics: Preakness , Pimlico
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Mother's Day Weekend Activities

May 9, 3:29 PM
Happy Friday to all! So this Sunday is indeed the official day to honor the women who brought us into the world. Are you still deciding what to do for your mother? Well despite the gloomy weather we are supposed to have all day today and... Read More
Topics: Boordy Vineyards , Bay Cafe , Mother's Day
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Golf: It's so hard that it's fun

May 7, 12:35 PM
       I like to think that each day is a learning experience. The reason why I say this is because I have tried something new. Golf. Yes, golf. When speaking about golf to other people, it seems... Read More
Topics: Golf , Driving Range
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Shout Out to Baltimore's Rock Fans

May 5, 1:46 PM
I’m sending a shout out to all of you who came by the Towsontown Spring Festival this past weekend.  It was packed! I myself was there yesterday Sunday May 4, 2008 with a group of friends and thoroughly enjoyed “pigging out”... Read More
Topics: Towsontown Festival , 98 Rock
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Towsontown Spring Festival this Weekend

May 1, 7:49 AM
When: Saturday May 3rd 10:00AM – 7:00PMSunday May 4th 1:00PM – 7:00PM Where:  The entire Towson Core Business Area Other Details:  There will be 6 different stages throughout the festival area featuring →different... Read More
Topics: Towsontown Festival
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Out and About at the Harbor

April 28, 4:23 PM
Hello everyone! Despite today’s ugly wet weather in Baltimore, I hope all of you had a chance to enjoy the gorgeous weather we had this past weekend. There’s so much going on these days that I wish I could be everywhere at once! However,... Read More
Topics: Inner Harbor , Sushi , Baltimore Aquarium , ESPN Zone
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